Lost your job? The benefit rules explained in full

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If you have recently lost your job, now is the time to make sure you receive all the benefits, allowances and tax credits to which you are entitled.

Government help is available to boost your income whilst you are looking for work. Here is a quick guide to what’s on offer.

Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)

This is the main benefit for the unemployed. To qualify, you must be actively seeking work, under the state pension age (60 for women and 65 for men) and either not working or working less than 16 hours a week. The allowance will be paid for